We also offer a minor program

Sample Courses

BIO/ESS 348 – Earth's Global Environment: Iceland

BIO/ESS 127 - Earth's Global Environment: Galapagos

BIO 128: Global Ecosystems - Costa Rica

BIO/ESS 129 Global Ecosystems: North America

BIO/ESS 348 – Earth's Global Environment: Iceland

Instructors: David Smith and Lawrence Tanner Department of Biological Sciences

Understanding Earth’s ecological environment requires study of the delicate balance between geological, biological, climatologic and anthropogenic processes. This introductory course offers you the opportunity to study these fundamental processes in Iceland, a country where the fragile nature of this environment, and the processes that shape it, are readily observed.

BIO/ESS 127 - Earth's Global Environment: Galapagos

Instructors: Drs. David Smith and Lawrence Tanner

This introductory course offers students the opportunity to study the delicate balance between geological, biological, climatologic and anthropogenic processes in shaping the Earth environment and controlling the process of evolution. The Galapagos are a unique locale where the fragile nature of the environment, the processes that shape it, and the unique nature of its inhabitants are readily observed. Additionally, the historic significance of this locale in the development of one of the most fundamental of all scientific theories will be explored fully.

BIO 128: Global Ecosystems - Costa Rica

Instructor: Dr. Lawrence Tanner

The exotic beauty of Costa Rica draws thousands of tourists. This small country, bordering both the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean, has a wide array of natural wonders ranging from rain and cloud forests to spectacular (and quite active) volcanoes. As tourists have grown tired of crowded beaches and commercialized resorts, which often accompany popular vacation spots, the interest in unaltered, environmental attractions has risen greatly, with Costa Rica at the forefront of the ecotourism industry.

BIO/ESS 129 Global Ecosystems: North America

Instructors: Drs. David Smith and Lawrence Tanner

This intro-level field course offers students the opportunity to study the fundamentals of ecosystem and earth science, with specific reference to North America. This study involves comparison of the Adirondacks and low and high-altitude deserts of Arizona. Field-based learning activities examine the geological and ecological processes that determine the structure and function of these two systems.